Friday, May 15, 2020

Hallmark movies have been called "cookie cutter", "unrealistic" and "predictable". Okay, that may well be true, but who cares. I love Hallmark movies!

Hallmark movies are what I call easy watching, like easy listening music. Not especially profound or deep, but they leave me feeling happy and relaxed. For me, that is most important when watching movies. I don't personally need depressing or upsetting, or even realistic all of the time. But, I'll take "happy" anytime!

I happened upon "A Summer Romance" recently, starring Erin Krakow, who I think is adorable. It did take me a few minutes to adjust to her character in this movie. After all, I see her as Elizabeth in "When Calls the Heart" which is an awesome Hallmark series. She also stars in a Christmas movie I previous reviewed, Finding Father Christmas. She does an excellent job of acting in all of these movies and has quickly become my favorite Hallmark actress. Krakow is not exclusively "Hallmark". They just happen to be where I have seen her most often."A Summer Romance" is another sweet romantic movie that ends exactly the way we all hope it will. Still, it's fun to watch, especially when they take a boy out of the city and introduce him to an unpretentious country girl.

Plot of the Hallmark movie, A Summer Romance

A Summer RomanceCheck PriceSamantha Walker is now the sole owner of the Montana ranch that has been in her family for generations. Unfortunately, a large ranch is expensive to maintain. Repairs have required Sam to take a bank loan, which she is several months behind on with payments. That leaves her ranch vulnerable to vultures who desire to build a country club on her land.Richard Belmont (Ryan Paevey) has already developed a plan to acquire a certain ranch in Bighorn, Montana. He is certain he can persuade the owner to sell. What he doesn't realize is that the owner has plans of her own to make her ranch profitable.

Sam is weighing all of her options, which is why she agrees to meet Belmont and consider his offer. But, the ranch has been in her family for generations and it is home. When Richard arrives in Bighorn without reservations for a room, Sam ends up inviting him to stay in the guesthouse on the ranch.

As Richard spends time with Sam and the residents of the ranch, they all actually become friends. That is not the best alliance for the man, and the company, who plans to buy the ranch home out from under the owner, now friend.

Richard only thinks he is completely in charge of the deal. Sam only thinks she is making the decision. And, yes, you will have to watch the movie if you want to see what happens.

Currently, "A Summer Romance" can be purchased on DVD linked above, but is available on Amazon with a subscription to the Hallmark Channel.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Have you ever overlooked a great movie simply because the feature image does not appeal? That is exactly what happened to me with the Hallmark movie, "Love Surreal". I admit, the title didn't draw me in either!

During a stressful day recently, I went in search of a nice movie to help calm my concerns for the day. After all, there was nothing I could do to change the outcome of the source of my stress. I simply had to wait.

When I find myself having to "wait", I tend to imagine the worst. Therefore, it is best for me to refocus and stop the horrible images having a field day in my mind. I turned to the Hallmark channel to find my balance. I needed a calm and peaceful movie, preferably with a happy ending.Unfortunately, I had seen most to the movies currently available on the Hallmark channel. I scanned the images several times and finally gave in to one that I intentionally dismissed previously. I would watch "Love Surreal" and hope for the best.

As it turns out, it was a pretty good movie. A romantic story with a dose of comic relief. I found myself laughing out loud several times during the movie and being equally delighted by the story line. Love Surreal was exactly what I needed!

Love Surreal Movie Synopsis

This is the featured image for the movie.
It didn't draw me in, which is a shame. What do you think?

Being an only child, Abigale Morrison always felt alone when she was growing up. Since her parents focused their attention on each other and traveling, instead of on Abby, she believed she was only an accessory in her parents marriage. Not really a part of their lives. Young Abby found company in her imaginary friend, Simon (Sy for short). Sy was understanding, compassionate and always available. When Abby loved drawing and when she drew pictures of herself, she included her friend, Sy as her companion. She found contentment with her new ally. So much so, she maintained her friendship with her imaginary friend throughout her high school years and into her college life. Simon becomes a barrier between Abby and relationship pain. It all works wonderfully well until Abby meets her roommates cousin, Quinn.Quinn happens to be a fellow student in Abby's art appreciation class. He doesn't really appreciate art or the class, but he needs a good grade. Which means, he needs help!

With a bit of coaxing by her roommate, Jessica, Abby becomes Quinn's tutor and subsequently his friend. However, Abby makes it clear that she has a long time boyfriend, Simon. But, that only works for so long.

Conclusion

Yes, the basis of the story is rather unbelievable. However if we suspend reality for a few hours, we can really enjoy this romantic comedy. All of the actors are adorable and fun to watch as they fumble their way through life and make some difficult choices.

Friday, April 12, 2019

While searching for light entertainment last weekend, I came across the Hallmark Movie, Love's Complicated starring Holly Marie Combs and Ben Bass. Within a few minutes of watching, I knew that I had found exactly what I had been seeking. Hallmark is always a reliable source for good movies that usually leave me feeling relaxed, and sometimes even revived after a long day of work and stress. I know I never have to worry about nudity, excessive foul language, or extreme violence when I turn on the Hallmark channel.

In a time when movies seem to compete to see which one can be the most extreme, I am most appreciative of a reliable source of mild, lighthearted entertainment that is never embarrassing to watch regardless of whether I am alone, in mixed company, or with my children and parents.

Love's Complicated Movie Synopsis

It is easy to like the mild mannered, considerate & compliant Leah in Love's Complicated. She is the type of person we all enjoy being around. She rarely, if ever, complains, she does not engage in debates or challenging opinions, she simply goes along happily with whatever others in her life dictate. Leah doesn't really intend to be a doormat for others, she just doesn't like confrontation.

Love's ComplicatedCheck PriceWhen her boyfriend of 2 years enrolls her in a conflict management class, she doesn't understand why she would need to be there, especially when she finds out he is not attending the group with her. Of course, it makes her mad and confused, but she decides to comply with his wishes and attend the sessions. However, in an unexpected turn of events, she comes face to face with the most annoying people she has ever met. After all, it was Cinco Dublin who criticized her published book on his radio show, stating that "although well written, Ms. Townsend's safe, Leave it to Beaver take on her childhood, leaves me wanting nothing more from this author, ever." It is clear from the beginning that Leah has built up resentment toward Cinco and the conflict management class gives her the perfect opportunity to unleash her pent-up emotions.

The verbal exchanges between Leah and Cinco are revealing about both of their personalities and are often humorous. They might not be funny to me if I was one of the participates in the conversations, but listening to them made me laugh several times. When Leah accepted an unwanted proposal of marriage from her boyfriend, just because she wanted to comply with his desires, and her parents wishes, she finally realizes that she must learn to confront real issues. Otherwise, she will end up in an unhappy marriage and always letting someone else dictate her life. At that point, the need for the conflict management classes becomes apparent to Leah.

Additional Thoughts About the Movie, Love's Complicated

While I very much enjoyed this movie and watching a romantic relationship develop, I found I was more intrigued by the concept that conflict management classes were also for people who needed to learn to express their anger, instead of keeping it inside. I've always thought those classes were for people who lashed out uncontrollably or without an obvious reason. Recognizing that some attendees might just need to learn how to express their feelings, was rather enlightening for me.

Currently, "Love's Complicated" is available on Amazon with a subscription to the Hallmark Channel.

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